Kristin Protas has over 13 years of experience in contract negotiations, and has been a trusted advisor to Gilbane Building Company's executive leadership over the last five years. Allison focuses on all aspects of construction law, including drafting, negotiating, and revising contracts; assisting clients manage claims, projects, and schedules in real time to keep projects moving; and resolving disputes between her clients. She strives to obtain the best possible result for her clients at the earliest opportunity. Because of this, Allison engages in negotiations and mediations before and in addition to arbitration hearings and litigation proceedings including trials. She goes “all-in” for her clients because she understands that the issues they face—large and small—can make or break for each client. Allison’s interest in and passion for construction law dates back to her days at The Ohio State University where she obtained a bachelor of science degree in architecture.Allison is also very involved in the community, including participating in the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 3Rs Program, which teaches constitution and government topics to high school students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, as well as the Partners in Justice Program, supporting the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. Allison is also involved in several legal and professional associations including the National Association of Women in Construction.Allison is actively involved with leadership roles in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland’s Bridge Board and the United Way Young Leader Cabinet and other nonprofit organizations. She is the recipient of the 2017 Ohio State Bar Foundation Community Service Award for Attorneys 40 and Under for District 12. Peter W. Hahn is a partner in the construction law practice group of Benesch Friedlander Coplan and Aronoff in Columbus, Ohio. David A. Scotti practices in the areas of construction law and complex commercial litigation. For the past 35 years, he has concentrated his practice in the area of construction law; which includes construction litigation, construction contracts and project counseling. Mr. Scotti has represented owners, developers, architects, engineers, EPC contractors, general contractors and subcontractors on a wide variety of construction projects including power plants, steel plants, dams, bridges, roads, aerial tramways, hospitals, prisons, sports stadiums, schools, churches, office buildings, public housing, mixed-use developments, etc. He has represented clients regarding both domestic and international disputes in federal and state trial and appellate courts, the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, the Pennsylvania Board of Claims, the International Chamber of Commerce, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution and the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Scotti has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating design and construction contracts and in providing project counseling regarding dispute avoidance. Mr. Scotti has served on the Governing Committee of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry and is presently chairman of the Forum’s Publication Committee. He has also served as chairman of the Contract Documents Division and has twice served on the Steering Committee of the Contract Documents Division. He has served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association since 1990 and as a mediator since 1994.
